A man kicked unconscious in a random attack said he’s lucky to be alive.

Colin Wolstenholme’s attackers repeatedly stamped on his head after jumping him from behind in an Accrington housing estate.

The ex-civil service worker was walking home from a friend’s 50th birthday party on Saturday night when he was set upon.

He now has staples in his head, a broken finger, a black eye and boot-prints on his forehead.

Police said the offenders fled with £80 in cash and also stole the retired 59-year-old’s phone and wallet during the unprovoked attack.

Colin said: “I was just strolling along without a care in the world after having a good day out at Brooks Club on Infant Street.

“Then, the next thing, I’m on the floor getting kicked. I must have got whacked from behind.

“If I would have gone down differently I could have been killed.

“It’s annoying people can do it and maybe get away with it. Especially to me.

“I’m not a little lad so imagine what they could do to someone a bit more frail. There are a lot of old ladies who live on their own around here so it’s a worry.”

Police said Mr Wolstenholme was attacked by two white males at about 11pm on Hawksworth Road, which is just minutes walk from his home on Ribblesdale Avenue.

He is unsure how long he was unconscious for but is thankful to two men who called an ambulance after finding him lying on the pavement just before midnight on Saturday, April 16.

Colin said: “I got dropped off at Moss Hall Road by my friends then started walking home through the estate where I live.

“I was on Hawksworth Road, then the next thing I knew, I was on the floor.

“Whether they just whacked me from behind or used a weapon – I’m not sure. I turned round and swung my boot at one of them. The next thing I remember was being hit in the side of the face which knocked me out cold.

“At about midnight two lads found me and phoned an ambulance. I must have been unconscious for some time but I’m thankful I came round.”

Colin was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he had a CT scan on his brain which found no blood inside. He was then treated for his injuries before returning home on Monday afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack.

DS Mark Vaughton, of Accrington CID, said the victim was walking home on Hawksworth Road when he was attacked from behind by two males who then kicked him unconscious

He said: “This was a nasty incident. His attackers stole his wallet, phone and £80 in cash. We are making inquiries to see if we can get any information that can lead to arrest.

“Although he was unlucky, he was lucky he didn’t receive more serious injuries.”